"What the Papers Said" - from Shropshire Caving & Mining Club Archives

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Wellington Journal & Shrewsbury News, June 22, 1895
MADELEY - A DANGEROUS HOAX

 

A DANGEROUS HOAX: The town was thrown into a state of excitement on Tuesday when a false report rapidly spread throughout the district that some one had committed suicide by jumping down a pit shaft. It appeared that when the colliers went to work at Shaw's pit, belonging to the Madeley Wood Co., they observed written on an iron plate close to a disused pit, "I have gone down the pit, dear. You will have to do without me. O Lord, help me." The colliers came to the conclusion that someone had committed suicide, and returned home. The pit has since been dragged, but no body discovered, and the authorities have come to the conclusion that the writing was nothing but a hoax.

 


Submitted by Steve Dewhirst

Note: Incident occurred on 18th June 1895.

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